MANKATO — For Mary Kay Foley, it’s doing crafts.
For Chris Diem, making lava lamps stands out.
And for Morgan Baer, assembling a scrapbook has so far been her favorite activity at Hosanna Lutheran Church.
The three Mankato residents are among MRCI clients who go to the Mankato church weekly during the fall, winter and spring months for learning and community interaction.
MRCI, headquartered in Mankato, delivers employment and day services to those with disabilities and disadvantages to live more independently and participate in their community. It has locations across southern Minnesota and the southern metro area.
Earlier this week, MRCI honored Hosanna Lutheran Church with its Community Impact Award for Outstanding Partnership and Support. The award recognizes their partnership and exceptional contributions to MRCI’s Community Day Services since its launch in January 2021.
The Rev. Mark Biebighauser of Hosanna said he appreciates the work MRCI is doing.
“We were humbled and grateful to get the award and really the first reaction is we wanted to say thank you right back to them for the work they’re doing,” he said. “Our favorite part about partnering with MRCI is to be able to meet the people, share the smiles and laughter and to get to see all of the blessings that come with relationships and friendships. It’s being a part of one another’s lives and encouraging one another with every opportunity we can.”
Melissa Cardona, day service specialist, oversees MRCI clients who go to Hosanna. At the church, clients have done everything from learning about money management to doing science experiments. They’ve also had fitness classes in the church gym and joined in a church-led choir.
“Hosanna staff are extremely helpful,” she said. “They’re kind, friendly and very welcoming. We cannot express how thankful we are for Hosanna. When we first started offering day services in 2021, we made a connection with Hosanna in the middle of COVID.
“Hosanna was very gracious and welcomed us in arms wide open. They were willing to provide us with a space and it’s been great. The staff are tremendous and they’re so kind. Faculty will stop in our room and see activities clients are doing and they’re so proud of them. The clients really love that verbal praise. Hosanna is very gracious.”
Nate Lotton, director of employment and day services with MRCI, said the church offers a lot.
“They get a sense of belonging in the community,” he said of clients. “They have different individuals within the church who they have built relationships with. There are also enriching activities they’re able to participate in. Like we use the gym for exercise classes we put on.”
MRCI typically brings nine clients to Hosanna. More than 50 clients have used Hosanna’s space via the organization’s day services program throughout the year, Lotton said.
Hosanna’s generosity extends far beyond space, according to a press release. They have a willingness to provide access to a wide range of facilities: from kitchens for cooking activities to foosball tables for creation.
Everyday moments have become meaningful memories for MRCI participants and staff. And equally impactful is the genuine sense of community fostered through those relationships built with Hosanna’s staff, the release said.
“We are just grateful for the opportunity to share our space with people who are doing wonderful work in our community,” Biebighauser said. “We see the building God has given us as an opportunity to partner with fantastic things that are happening in our community and MRCI is certainly one of those.”
“Without partnerships like ours with Hosanna, it would limit some of the integration we are able to provide our individuals,” Lotton said. “Our individuals really enjoy building those relationships and having people they can just call friends.”